Gas prices in Colorado have reached an unprecedented peak.
The brutal truth was confirmed by the AAA when they announced on Monday that the average cost of a gallon of regular gas had risen to $4.91 in the Centennial State.
Ouch.
The amount was still below the national average of $4.97.
However, it was 78 cents higher compared to the average a month ago in Colorado, and there was an increase of $1.61 from last year.
On June 11, the national average surpassed $5 per gallon, marking a significant milestone in U.S. history.
While oil companies are reporting record profits, the rest of us are bearing the cost at the heart.
Nevertheless, the impact is not limited to buyers and riders alone.
The effects are also being felt by companies that rely on consumers visiting their retail locations.
Colorado’s casinos and gaming establishments are definitely part of that group.
Colorado casinos and resorts, as well as mountainous areas, add yards.
The combination of the state and casino setup creates a scenario that is incredibly unique.
To be honest, online casino games are still not legally permitted. Moreover, the retail establishments are mainly concentrated in three small hill towns: Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.
Mostly, winding drives up two-lane state highways are the only way to access those locations.
During the frosty season, the drives become even more thrilling. In the beautiful highlands of Colorado, this encompasses the period from September to May.
Furthermore, one must be cautious of the perilous rock slides, particularly in the vicinity of Black Hawk and Central City, specifically in Clear Creek Canyon.
Furthermore, it is essential for owners to remain vigilant for animals crossing the roads, particularly during nighttime hours.
Black Hawk and Central City are approximately 40 km away from Denver.
Cripple Creek is located approximately 45 km from Colorado Springs, while Pueblo is nearly 90 kilometers away.
«The distance of travel in Colorado is undeniably a significant factor,» shared Matt Andrighetti, general manager of Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek. «It’s not merely the distance itself, but the journey through winding mountain roads, where nocturnal wildlife adds another challenge. This makes the trip less enticing compared to having a casino conveniently located next to your downtown barbershop.»
Colorado is undeniably facing a unique situation. While I wouldn’t claim that we are the sole state dealing with this, it certainly poses a distinct challenge for us.
To address this problem, numerous games in Colorado employ small shuttles and buses.
According to Ashley Rios, a host at the Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk, the bus service continues to be a favored choice among Denver-based casino guests.
According to Rios, the popularity has continued to grow as fuel prices rise.
Employees of Wildwood receive a refund at the firm gas station.
It is not only ordinary individuals who visit casinos and nearby establishments; it also caters to individuals from the corporate world as it encompasses a hotel, casino, and business-oriented individuals.
Andrighetti reports that around 60 to 65 percent of the Wildwood & employees, approximately 300 individuals, live in Teller County.
Most of those workers reside in Woodland Park, which means that the commute to their workplace is typically within a distance of 25 to 30 miles.
Furthermore, he approximates that 20% of the population travels from Colorado Springs, with the rest primarily residing in Pueblo, Canon City, or Lake County.
Some Wildwood employees are traveling on the property & shuttle, while others are staying in one of the 14 individual housing rooms offered at the Gold King Inn, one of the two hotels available on-site.
However, the price of individual energy rises significantly.
This spring, The Wildwood, known for self-promotion and being the Highest Casino in the World, has chosen to pitch.
The gas station owner chose an unconventional location for their establishment, placing it directly across the street from a residential home.
Wildwood residents are eligible for a 75% discount on the price of a quart at Gas – n-Roll. This offer allows a maximum of 20 gallons per month.
Initially, Andrighetti stated that the individual benefit was set to end on June 19. Nevertheless, it has been prolonged and, as per his insights, will likely persist during the downturn.
Andrighetti pointed out that residing in the town is a double-edged sword, as it requires frequent visits to various locations for entertainment, equipment, and grocery shopping. Although commuting to work may not be necessary, one still needs to drive out of town.
In works & , New Wildwood customer fuel promo,
In addition to the employee discount, the Wildwood extended a gas campaign to its customers this spring.
In the Gas Giveaway program, participants had a chance to win free gas vouchers through a random drawing. The promotional event offered various prizes, including five $500 pre-paid gas cards.
However, the advertisement concluded on June 15th.
According to Andrighetti, the Gas Giveaway received such positive feedback that Wildwood is likely to swiftly introduce another incentive program centered around gas.
Based on his statement, it is likely that this particular offer will grant a Gas-n-Roll refund depending on the number of points accumulated by casino customers through their Club Wild loyalty program and cards.
According to Andrighetti, a new project is currently being developed and is expected to be released within the next few weeks.
Andrighetti mentioned that determining the influence of oil prices on user traffic at the Wildwood had posed some challenges.
According to him, the feedback we are receiving from our customers is becoming a greater burden than before. Currently, we are experiencing a unique period in terms of traffic. We are preparing for summer, but in May, there were fires in our neighborhood followed by two and a half feet of snow by the end of the month. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the impact on customer traffic. Although it is having an effect, it is currently impossible to determine the extent.
Promos with a fuel theme are common at Colorado casinos.
Although the employee fuel discount program at Wildwood & is a unique offering among Colorado casinos, promotions related to gas are quite common.
From 5 to 8 o’clock every Thursday in June, a promotional event featuring Plinko and rdquo games has been taking place at the Saratoga casino, restaurant, and fuel cards.
Winners of the casino hot seat are chosen to drop pucks on a game board every hour. With each drop, customers can receive up to $200 in prepaid gas cards for their first drop and $200 worth of free promotional play for a second drop, depending on where the pucks land.
Rios stated that the promotional program has been highly appreciated and favored by customers.
However, Rios clarified that there are currently no intentions to extend the Plinko system beyond July. Nonetheless, she mentioned that there were discussions about potentially reintroducing it later this summer as a means of generating profit, especially considering the elevated gas prices.
This month, Black Hawk’s Z Casino is currently presenting a promotion called «Fill Your Tank.»
Every Monday through Thursday, customers have the opportunity to earn $20 worth of free fuel at that location. To qualify, customers must earn 1,000 same-day base points on their loyalty cards between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The software will no longer be valid after June 30, and the maximum value for oil tickets is $100.
In Towaoc, located in the Four Corners area of the state, the Ute Mountain Casino is currently hosting an event called the «Great Gas Giveaway.»
During the month of June, the promotional program is up for grabs every Sunday between 5 and 9 p.m. Every hour, there will be hot seat drawings, rewarding lucky winners with $200 worth of complimentary fuel.
The grand prize winner of the promo will receive fuel vouchers worth $2,500. The announcement will be made on Sunday, June 26 at 9 p.m.
It is unclear whether the fuel-themed programs or similar promotions will continue beyond June, as the mentioned casinos have not provided any information on the matter.
Nevertheless, should oil prices in Colorado persist at their near-record levels, the reward will unquestionably be present.
